Johnson County Community Health Services (JCCHS) is warning Johnson County, Missouri food establishments about a scam involving fake food inspectors who may be making the rounds in the county.

JCCHS is reporting that restaurants are receiving calls and in-person visits from individuals claiming to be from the health department and requesting an inspection of the establishment for a fee to be paid by credit card.

To help avoid this scam:

If your restaurant receives an in-person visit from someone claiming to be a county health inspector, ask to see his or her ID issued by Johnson County Community Health Services.

Do not provide credit card information to strangers claiming to be from the health department.

JCCHS is committed to ensuring the food safety of Johnson County, and will never ask for credit card information on inspection visits as inspections are done at no charge to the restaurant. Additionally our certified and trained inspectors always carry identification, and arrive for inspections in Johnson County Community Health Services identified vehicles.

If you question the integrity of the inspector, please contact our office at 660-747-6121. If you feel you have been victimized by a scam we encourage you to contact the Johnson County Sheriff or your local police.